Network coord. Babik facing child porn charges

A staff report from The Gainesville Sun states that University of Florida network coordinator Steve Babik, who has been with the school and athletic department for two decades, has been charged in federal court with receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography.

Babik, 50, was the host of the TailGator Pre-game Show and the Urban Meyer Post-Game Show. He also reported from the sidelines during Florida Gators football broadcasts and held play-by-play duties for a variety of Gators sports airing on Sun Sports, Fox Sports Florida and local radio.

The University Athletic Association released a statement about Babik on Tuesday: “We were made aware of the investigation in late November and immediately suspended Steve Babik from his work responsibilities. Now that he has been charged, his employment has been terminated. We are deeply disturbed by the charges.”

If convicted of all charges, Babik could receive a combined maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, lifelong probation and a $500,000 fine. He entered a plea of not guilty, was released on $100,000 bond and has a trial set to begin Mar. 1 in Gainesville, FL.

The Sun has more details on this breaking story, and OGGOA will update this post with any additional relevant information.